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The purpose of this study was to examine if group ear acupuncture improves Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder sleep difficulties among veterans who participated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. This study also examined the degree of veteran acceptance for a group ear acupuncture procedure.

ISI: 7-item, self-report questionnaire based on DSM-IV criteria for insomnia. ISI scores range from 0 to 28 with higher scores reflecting greater insomnia. Total scores were reported, and an ISI cutoff total score of > 8 is indicative of probable insomnia.

The Morin Sleep Diary refreshness and soundness ratings are based on a 5-point Likert scale with scores ranging from 1 to 5. Scores for these two questions were reported and higher scores indicate higher perceived sleep quality.

Disruptive sleep patterns were analyzed by looking at Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Latency (SL), and Naps (short episodes of sleep at times other than bedtime). Morin sleep diaries (MSD) and wrist actigraphs (WA) were the study instruments used to collect this data.

Received true group auricular acupuncture twice weekly for a period of two months.

Other: True group auricular acupuncture

Received true group auricular acupuncture

Sham Comparator: Sham Group Auricular Acupuncture

Received sham group auricular acupuncture twice weekly for a period of two months.

Other: Sham group auricular acupuncture

Received sham auricular acupuncture.

Wait-List Control Group

Served as wait list control. Did not receive any acupuncture during the study period.

Other: Wait-List Control Group

Received conventional care only. Eligible to receive true group auricular acupuncture once study period completed.

Detailed Description:

Background: Approximately 70-91% of veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) report insomnia. Presently, conventional treatments for PTSD-related insomnia include medications, psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. While some of these conventional treatments do improve PTSD-related insomnia, many of these treatments have limitations (e.g., medication effects, lengthy time commitments, psycho-social stigma). Because of these limitations, many veterans are increasingly turning to complementary and alternative therapies to relieve their symptoms. There is a growing body of research that shows that acupuncture may improve many health symptoms including depression, PTSD, addiction, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and insomnia. However, to date, no study has specifically explored how acupuncture may affect PTSD-related insomnia. Because so many veterans with PTSD experience PTSD-related insomnia, and because the current conflicts in Southwest Asia are producing a new generation of combat veterans, it is critical that the VA explore innovative treatments for PTSD-related health concerns.

Eligibility

Information from the National Library of Medicine

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History of substance abuse Dependence (as defined per DSM IV criteria) during the one year preceding enrollment in the study OR history of illicit substance use for 3 months prior to study enrollment OR positive Audit C score at study enrollment (defined as score of 5 and above).

Received acupuncture during past 3 months.

On Coumadin, Heparin, or Lovenox

Pregnancy

Contacts and Locations

Information from the National Library of Medicine

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00868517